21 Essentials Every Minimalist Should Keep (even when decluttering)

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When we adopt a minimalist mindset and lifestyle, we gain more peace and security for ourselves and more to share with others.  Minimalism is good for us, for others, and for the planet too!


But streamlining what we own doesn't mean we should let go of essentials.  What are those essentials?  Your answers may vary (my essentials include books, my laptop and phone, a kitchen table with padded chairs, some family photos, and a comfortable bed), but there are some possessions we all need.


books in a living room - photo by Lisa Anna on Unsplash



Emergency essentials


I'm not a prepper (not even close), but I know that storms, power outages, illnesses, and breakdowns are not only possible, but likely at some point.  It's helpful to keep some emergency supplies in your home and vehicle.  Don't declutter these items.


1.  First aid kit

Create your own or buy one online.*  Keep it stocked, and replace what you use.


2.  Emergency car kit

This should contain basic tools, including a jack, lug wrench, and spare tire; flares, flashlight, first aid, and a blanket or two.  My husband and I also keep our gas tank at least 1/4 full in case we have to evacuate because of flood or wildfire.


3.  Food

I keep canned and packaged foods that could feed us for at least 3-4 days.  When I use these items, I replenish them as soon as possible.


4.  Water and purifier

Water is heavy and takes space to store, so I only keep one case of bottled water on hand.  Purifying tablets are easy to store, easy to use, and might be a life-saver.


5.  Medications

I know it's not always possible to refill medications so that you can keep an extra supply in case of emergency.  But you should keep a list of the meds you take daily, including dosage amounts.  It's also a good idea to include information about allergies and prosthetics.


* This blog is supported by readers, not ads.  If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission.





Living room essentials


Only you can decide whether you need end tables or what you should do with your collection of Swarovski figurines.  However, here are a few items you might want to prune with care.


6.  Books

Some minimalists like to go completely digital with books; others (like me) prefer to own physical editions.  That doesn't mean you need to keep hundreds of volumes you've never read or will never read again.  Reading is always worth doing, so take time to create your "desert island collection" and remember that the public library is a treasure!


7.  Board games

You should definitely declutter the board games you haven't played in years.  But keep the ones you and your family love so you can continue to play together.  Even a deck or two of playing cards can let you enjoy a lot of fun evenings.


8.  Sentimental keepsakes

For most of us, the items we've inherited or kept from earlier stages of life are the hardest to part with, even if the majority of those things are packed away in boxes and stored somewhere.  You really don't need to keep every drawing or school paper your children ever did, or every gift from a loved one you've never used.  But you should uncover those few things that are truly meaningful and keep them where you can see and enjoy them.





Kitchen essentials


Unless you've already done a major declutter, I'll bet you have gadgets, cookware, and appliances in your kitchen that you've used only once or a handful of times.  They're stealing cupboard and counter space, so why hang on to them?  Determine what you need and use regularly, and donate the rest to thrift stores or a Habitat for Humanity ReStore.


9.  Large slow cooker

Slow cookers are great for making easy family meals, and they come in a variety of sizes.  It might be tempting to keep more than one, but unless you use them all regularly, it's smarter to just keep the largest.  These appliances let you cook with minimal energy expenditure – far less than heating up the oven.


10.  Extra place settings

You might think you should donate all of your extra plates, cups, and silverware, leaving only enough for the people who live in your house.  But what happens when you have guests?  Using disposables all the time isn't eco-friendly.


Now, I'm not suggesting you keep 20 place settings of everything for the one time each year you host a crowd.  For your big holiday dinner, you could borrow or even rent washable spares.  But having a few extras lets you invite some friends for Sunday brunch or game night.


11.  Reusable water bottle and/or travel coffee mug

These can pile up until they fill an entire cupboard, which steals valuable space you could be using for other things.  But having one for each family member reduces the number of plastic bottles you use, and lets you make and take coffee or tea from home instead of always buying it on the go.


kitchen and cookware - photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash



Bathroom essentials


12.  Cleaning supplies

I'm sure you've seen the hundreds of cleaning products on offer at your local Target or Walmart.  There's always a "new and improved" formula, scent, or brand entering the already over-crowded market, and it's possible to accumulate way more than is necessary to keep your house clean.  


I've found that an all-purpose cleaner, a toilet cleaner, white distilled vinegar, baking soda, and clear dish soap do the trick for just about everything.  Depending on your situation, you might also need a specialty cleaner for your floors or carpet.  And of course, you'll want to hang on to your vacuum cleaner, mop, bucket, broom, and dustpan.  I keep my supplies in an easy-to-carry tote. 


13.  Paper products

If you remember the beginning of the COVID pandemic, you know how stressful it is when stores are sold out of toilet paper.  You don't need to keep a years' supply, but having enough TP, facial tissues, and feminine hygiene products to get through the next month is probably a good idea.





Wardrobe essentials


Clothes, shoes, and accessories can be huge sources of clutter for most of us.  This is an area that almost always needs a fairly ruthless pruning.  What is essential for work and leisure varies based on occupation and life stage, as well as climate and personal preferences.  But whatever you choose, don't forget that almost everyone also needs these:


14.  One dressy outfit

This is something to wear for a wedding or a special night out.  Get rid of old dresses or suits that don't fit or flatter, but always keep one good option.


15.  One funeral-appropriate outfit

Your dressy options may or may not also work for funerals, so be sure to keep something that does.


16.  Exercise/sports outfit

Good sneakers are a must; so is a supportive sports bra.  If you work out every day, you may need more than one outfit, as you should wash sweaty clothes before re-wearing them.  If you swim or just like to lounge in the sun, keep a swimsuit.


17.  Comfortable clothing

All of your clothing choices should make you feel comfortable.  But if you're kicking back at home, you won't be wearing work clothes or formal wear.  So keep a pair or two of comfortable pants and a few tee shirts that you can relax in or even get dirty doing yard work or cleaning out the garage.  Don't forget a pair of appropriate shoes.


18.  A signature piece

You'll want a piece that makes you feel special and confident, whether that's a favorite jacket, a particular piece of jewelry, or the perfect bag.  This item will be something you wear quite often, so make sure the style and quality are top-notch.





Other essentials


19.  Tools

You'll need basic tools for minor maintenance or repairs.  If you have your own yard, you'll want basic equipment for that as well.


20.  Office supplies

Keep the items you actually use and pass the rest to a local school or senior center.  One item I keep handy is blank notecards for birthdays, thank yous, and other occasions.


21.  Travel gear

Minimalism brings a great deal of freedom, which might mean more opportunity to travel.  Whether or not you begin a jaunt around the world, you need the basics for the occasional trip.  A carry-on suitcase, a fold-up tote bag, and a TSA-approved toiletries bag are always useful.





Avoid decluttering regret.


Your first step toward minimalism may be decluttering your home, but you want to avoid removing things that are essential for comfort, safety, and efficiency.  Follow this list to reduce the worry that you'll desperately need something you recently gave away.




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